IRELAND HAVE BEEN boosted by the return of a couple of key players including Everton midfielder James McCarthy.
Martin O’Neill’s depleted squad trained at the FAI’s National Training Centre in Dublin this morning ahead of the vital World Cup qualifier against Wales on Friday.
Having sat out yesterday’s session, captain Seamus Coleman, Aberdeen winger Jonny Hayes and Southampton striker Shane Long took full part today. Coleman and Hayes have recovered from knocks to the ankle, while Long was rested after playing an hour Southampton’s defeat to Tottenham on Sunday.
McCarthy had been doing his own work separately with FAI’s head of fitness Dan Horan over the past couple of days, but also came through the entire group session.
The 26-year-old remains the biggest worry, having not played since 5 March due to a recurring hamstring injury. Assistant manager Roy Keane rated him as “very doubtful” yesterday but his involvement here is certainly positive news.
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